Electricity And Glitz Were Unforgettable

BRADFORD

January 31, 1993|by TINA BRADFORD

With electricity in the air and a mass of humanity everywhere, Bethlehemites who had the chance to visit Washington, D.C. during the inaugural festivities agree that despite the traffic, the crowds, and all the little, but essential inconveniences -- like never-ending security check points -- it was certainly a quintessential experience they'll never forget.

As the new first family ushered in a new look and brand new generation, U.S. Rep. Paul McHale and wife Katherine, Ladd and Kaija Siftar, attorney Jay Leeson and his wife Loretta, and Susan and Richard Master, were among a handful of local folk who saw it all first hand.

Also from the Lehigh Valley were Northampton County Executive Jerry Seyfried and his wife, Bob and Carole Redding, State Rep. Karen Ritter and husband Bob Wolper, Jane Wells-Schooley and Stuart Schooley, and John and Rebecca Karoly.

For most, highlights from Washington, D.C. began with the Tuesday night gala, a star-studded evening of politics mixed with such celebrities as Barbra Streisand, Chevy Chase, and Michael Jackson.

"We really enjoyed the gala -- probably even more than I had expected, recalls Kathy McHale, who attended the fete with Leeson and his wife.

The gala also kicked off the idea that the new Democrats were about to usher in a glitzier look.

Susan Master, board president of the Northampton County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whose husband Richard was coordinator for the Clinton/Gore campaign in the Lehigh Valley, pointed to the contrast between the sports arena and the fancy attire worn at the Gala. "People were dressed to the hilt, but I kept thinking, this is an arena where they play hockey."

Kathy McHale agrees saying, "It was fun seeing people dressed in black tie standing in line for popcorn." Of course, champagne and fancier fare was also served.

On Wednesday, inauguration day, the weather couldn't have been better and the day any longer. For many, like Northampton County Councilman Siftar and his wife, it started at 8 a.m. sharp with a breakfast hosted by the National Association of County Officials and went straight through to midnight.

Wednesday was also a day of historical significance. As Loretta Leeson put it: "It was very overwhelming to realize that historically, we are a country that for over 200 years, still carries out the very same tradition, the very same ceremony."

"It was simply thrilling, we were just a tiny speck of humanity on the great lawn," says Master, who noted that she and her husband, bumped into several other "blue ticket" holders during the ceremony including Seyfried and the Siftars.

"We couldn't see much, but at least we could hear," says Kaija Siftar, Bethlehem's city treasurer and former Clinton delegate. "What was noticeable was an entire new generation stepping in -- not only the Clintons -- but on the lawn and also on the avenues, there were crowds of young families with very young children on their shoulders, in strollers."

"A new generation was definitely at hand," says her husband, who compared the mood to that of when Kennedy was sworn in. "There was a very persuasive good feeling in the air that we have to pull together to work towards change."

After the ceremony, receptions, parties and security abounded. The Siftars and Masters attended several receptions held in office buildings and hotels along Pennsylvania Avenue. "It was definitely an exciting, but tiring day," says Master, who had the chance to see Clinton from a sixth floor window while she was sipping hot cider in an easy chair.

The Leesons, who had gotten excellent tickets for the parade, had a chance to view President Clinton at very close range -- no further than a half block away. In fact, Loretta says she and her husband were seated only three rows away from Teddy Kennedy and his sister, Jean Smith.

Eventually, it was time to slip (or perhaps snail) back to one's hotel room to dress for the evening. It took the Leesons about two hours to walk a mere two miles. "The security was phenomenal. There were security tents and police from Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and secret service everywhere." X-ray check points and bag searches were commonplace. "Actually, the security lines became just another way to meet people and have a chance to speak with them," says Leeson.

There were 11 official balls and countless unofficial balls all over town. Most from the Lehigh Valley attended the official Mid-Atlantic States Ball held at the massive Union Station. "It was definitely one of the best balls to be at," says Siftar, who estimated that at least 6,000 guests were there.